Young voices of India

India is preparing for a mammoth general election in which around 815 million people have registered to vote – a number greater than the entire population of Europe.

Since the last national election in 2009, about 100 million voters have joined the electoral rolls, in part reflecting India's growing population, half of which is aged under 25. Reuters asked some of the country's registered new voters what they want from the next government.

24 Mar 2014. MUMBAI, India. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui

Rachel Blaekly, an 18-year-old student, poses during a football practice session at a playground in Mumbai.

Rachel said that she wants stricter laws protecting women’s security from the new government, which will be selected in nine stages of voting between April 7 and May 12. The results will be announced on May 16.